Taoiseach congratulates Bush on victory

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern tonight conveyed his “warmest congratulations” to US President George Bush on securing a second term in office.

He said the strong tradition of friendship and goodwill between Ireland and the United States, and the contribution which people of Irish heritage have made to America was a source of enormous pride.

“Today, as our connections and links continue to expand in a broad range of areas of mutual interest, I look forward to working with the President to ensure these continue to develop and flourish in the years ahead,” he said.

Mr Ahern also wished Democrat contender Senator John Kerry best wishes for the future, as he conceded defeat in a phone call to Mr Bush.

For a few hours the result hung in the balance, hinging on the key state of Ohio, but the White House said the President carried it by a “statistically insurmountable” number of votes.

The Taoiseach said that at the EU-US summit held at Dromoland Castle, Co Clare earlier this year, a number of measures were agreed for enhancing future opportunities between Europe and the United States.

“It is both in the interests of the Union and the United States that our relationship is strong and that we work together across the range of issues that face the international community at this time,” he said.

“The United States had always been a firm and loyal friend of the peace process. This support is a source of great encouragement as we continue to work to ensure that the Agreement is implemented in full, and above call, allowed to achieve its promise of delivering a better future for all the people of Northern Ireland.”

He said he looked forward to building even closer relations with the US both at national and EU level, wishing Mr Bush, his family and his team every success for the four years ahead.

Green Party foreign affairs spokesman John Gormley TD expressed disappointment at the result, saying it was bad for both the US and the world community.

“He has refused to sign up to many important international treaties including the Kyoto Protocol,” Mr Gormley said.

“As the United States uses a quarter of the world’s energy, it is important that they play their part in combating climate change.”

He said Mr Bush’s election would also mean the continuation of an illegal war in Iraq.